Load handling apparatus



July 27, 1965 LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet1 INVENTOR. RUSSELL E. TRAVIS, JR.

(L262. LM

ATTORNEY R. E. TRAVIS, JR 3,197,251

July 27, 1965 s, JR 3,197,251

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORRUSSELL E. TRAVIS, JR.

ATTORNEY y 7, 1965 R. E. TRAVIS, JR 3,197,251

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORRUSSELL E. TRAVIS, JR.

kQJZ-W ATTORNEY y 7, 1965 R. E. TRAVIS, JR 3,197,251

LOAD HANDLING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1963 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

RUSSELL E. TRAVIS,JR.

(MLLM AT TORN'EY United States Patent 3,197,251 LGAD HANDLENG APEARATUSRussell E. Travis, In, Washington, D.C., assignor, by mesne assignments,to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of theNavy Filed Nov. 7, 1963, er. No. 322,260 Claims. (Cl. 294--1il4) Thepresent invention relates to novel and improved modular stowage andhandling apparatus and more particularly to a novel and improvedgrappling device which is specially adapted for use in handling missilesand other similar loads of varying size.

In modern warfare missile designs change rapidly. As a result, missilestorage compartments or magazines must be equipped to handle missiles ofmany various kinds and sizes with safety and dispatch. Although varioustypes of grapples have been designed in the past, none have been devisedheretofore which are relatively simple in design and yet flexible enoughto accommodate missiles of the increasing number of dilferent types anddimensions that are now an important and necessary part of a defensesystem. 7

It is therefore an important object of the present invention to providea novel and improved grappling device which is specially adapted tohandle missiles or other similar loads that vary substantially in designand size.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel andimproved grapple which includes three elements that are adapted toengage missiles or other cylindrical loads of various size atsubstantially equidistant points about their periphery.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this inventionwill be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood byreference to the following detailed description when considered inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the improvedmodular missile stowage and handling apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view that illustrates the manner in which animproved stanchion of the invention is installed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an improved missile supporting bracketthat is mounted on each stanchion;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theimproved grapple of the invention in its extended missile engagingposition; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partially cut away view of the ajustable missileengaging element shown in FIG. 4.

A compartment in which the missiles or other items to be stored inaccordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 of thedrawing. As shown therein, a plurality of elongated channel members orhat sections 3 are secured to the ceiling of the compartment in apredetermined parallel relationship in any suitable manner such as bymeans of the bolts or the like 5. A plurality of apertures 7 arepreferably equally spaced as shown along the longitudinal axis of eachhat section 3. An enlongated channel member or hat section 9 is affixedto the floor of the compartment beneath and parallel to each of theceiling hat sections 3 preferably by means of the bolts or the like 11.A plurality of elliptical apertures 13 are formed as best shown in FIG.2 in each floor hat section 9, each said aperture in each floor hatsection being substantially aligned beneath one of the apertures 7 inits complementary overlying ceiling hat section 3.

A stanchion 15 is positioned between each pair of aligned apertures 7and 13 in the ceiling and floor hat sections 3 and 9. Each stanchion 15preferably includes a pair of rectangular telescoping sections 17 and 19which are secured in a fixed extended position when a bolt or pin 21 ispositioned in a preselected pair of alined apertures respectively formedin sections 17 and 19 of each stanchion. The cylindrical projection 23extends upwardly from the upper extremity of section 17 of eachstanchion and is adapted to slidably engage any of the apertures 7 inany of the ceiling hat sections 3. The cylindrical projection with itselliptical extremity 25 extends downwardly from the lower end of section19 of each stanchion. As will be more apparent hereinafter, theelliptical extremity 25 of each stanchion is adapted to be inserted intoany of the elliptical apertures 13 in any floor hat section 9, rotatedpreferably 45 degrees and locked in position on the floor hat section bythe bot or pin 27.

A plurality of bracket assemblies or the like 29 are secured in anysuitable manner such as by means of the bolts 31 to each stanchion. Eachbracket assembly preferably includes a U-shaped channel member or thelike 33, an arm 35 which is pivotably secured as at 37 to a lowerportion of the channel member, and an arm 39 which is pivotally securedon bolt 31 to an upper portion of the channel member. Arm 35 ispivotably mounted on channel member 33 between ears that pro trudetherefrom as at 41 for limited movement between an extended loadsupporting position and a folded position as shown at 43 in which it isdisposed substantially parallel to the stanchion. It is extendedposition the heel portion 45 of arm 35 engages channel member 33 andprovides rigid support for the load or missile '47. The flexible buckleand strap assembly 49 which secures the load or missile in place on twoor more brackets 29 preferably includes the strap or the like 51 whichis adjustably secured to arm 39 at 53 in any suitable manner, the buckle55 which is secured to the end of strap 51 at 57, and the double hookdevice 59 which is pivotally connected to arm 35 at 61 and engages lugs63 on opposite sides of buckle 55.

The apparatus which is employed to transfer the missiles 4 from or intostowage in the campartment preferably includes a suitable conventionalhoist mechanism 65 which rolls on conventional trackage 67 suspended asshown from the ceiling of the compartment. Since'the details of thetrack system form no part of the inven tion, the same are not includedherein for the sake of simplicity. For a full understanding of theinvention, it need only be understood that once the missile 47 isengaged by grapples or the like 69 and lifted to its elevated positionby hook '71 of hoist 65, the missile may be transferred to its desireddestination through any suitable conventional system of tracks, trackswitches and H16 Ilka;

A pair of grapples 69 are preferably interconnected by the load bar 73which is engaged by hook 71 of the hoist mechanism 65 when themissile'47 is either secured in its brackets 33 or removed therefrom fortransfer elsewhere. Each grapple includes a vertical post or the like 75having an outwardly extending arm 77 afiixed to its lower end. Asuitable load or missile engaging pad or element 79 is preferablyaflixed to the outer end of arm 77. Sleeve 81 is slidably positionedover the upper end of post 75 and is adjustably fixed in any desiredextended position thereon when bolt or pin 83 is disposed in apreselected pair of aligned apertures respectively formed in post 75 andsleeve 81. Bifurcated arm 85 is pivotably mounted on opposite sides ofthe upper end of sleeve 81 at 3.7. .Missile engaging element 89 ispreferably pivotably mounted on block 91 which is journalled in theelongated apertures 93 disposed in opposite sides of the end of arm 35.The block d1 is adjustably postioned in apertures 93 by means of 3adjustment knob 95 on bolt 97 which rotates freely in the end of arm 85and threadedly engages block 91.

Bell crank lever or the like 99 is pivotably mounted on sleeve S1 at 191and is mechanically coupled to arm 85 by link 1035 which is respectivelypivoted to lever 99 and arm 85 at 105 and 197. Any suitable latchmechanism such as that shown at 139 is preferably provided to lock arm85' in its closed missile engaging position.

Link elements 111 are pivotably mounted on opposite sides of sleeve 81at 113. The free ends of link elements 111 are preferably interconnectedby the missile engaging roller 115. The said free ends of link elements111 are also pivotably connected to link elements 117 which in turn arepivotably connected to arm 77 at 119. As will be more apparenthereinafter, link elements 111 and 117' are dimensioned and positionedon arm '77 and sleeve 81 such that as the disposition of sleeve 81 onpost 75 is changed, the three missile engaging elements 79, 89 and 115substantially maintain an equidistant relationship to one another whenarm 85 occupies its closed position.

Grapple supporting arm 121 is integrally connected to the upper end ofsleeve 81 between the bifurcated portions of arm 35 and extends upwardlyand outwardly therefrom in the plane formed by arms 77 and 85. Aplurality of apertures 123 through the outer extremity of arm 121provide adjustment of the point at which lift from the hook 71 and loadbar 73' is applied to each grapple and its engaged missile.

In operation depending upon the length of the missile or other devicethat is to be stowed in the compartment, stanchions are suitablypositioned between ceiling and floor hat sections 3 and 9 by removingbolt 21 between telescoping sections 17 and 19, positioning projections23 of section 17 in aperture 7, inserting elliptical extremity 25 ofsection 19 in the elliptical aperture 13 in the floor hat section 9,rotating the stanchion such that pin or bolt 27 can be inserted, andsecuring sections 17 and 19 of the stanchion in a suitable extendedposition by reinserting bolt or pin 21 through a pair of alignedapertures in sections 17 and 19. Brackets 29 are then secured inposition on each stanchion to accommodate the missiles 47 with suitablespacing therebetween.

In order to remove a missile from its stowed position on a pair ofbrackets, the load bar 73 with grapples 69 aflixed at opposite ends at apreselected point 23, depending upon the expected center of gravity ofthe grapple assembly and load, is lowered on book 71 to a positionopposite the missile 47. Knob 95 of bolt 97 is then adjusted and sleeve81 is positioned on post 75 such that all three missile engagingelements 79, 39 and 115 securely engage the missile when the missile ispositioned Within the jaws of grapples 69 and lever 99 is operated andlocked by latch mechanism 109 in its closed position. Hoist 65 is thenpreferably operated to lift the missile and grapple assembly to anelevated position for transfer on the ceiling track system to itsdesired destination.

A similar operation in reverse is employed to return the missile to itsposition in storage in the compartment.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A load handling device comprising:

' (a) a post;

(b) a first arm having a load engaging surface, said arm being securedto one end of the post;

(c) a sleeve slidably disposed on the other end of the post;

(d) a second arm having a load engaging surface, said second arm beingpivotably secured to the sleeve;

(e) means for controlling movement of the load engaging surface of thesecond arm toward and away from the opposed first arm respectivelybetween a closed and an open position; and

(f) means including a third load engaging surface pivotably coupled tothe post and the sleeve, said third surface being disposed substantiallyequidistant from the other said surfaces when the device occupies itsclosed position.

2. A load handling device comprising:

(a) a post;

(b) a first arm having a load engaging surface, said arm being securedto one end of the post;

(0) a sleeve slidably disposed on the other end of the post;

(d) a second arm having a load engaging surface, said second arm beingpivotably secured to the sleeve;

(e) means for controlling movement of the load engaging surface of thesecond arm toward and away from the opposed first arm respectivelybetween a closed and an open position; and

(f) means including a third load engaging surface pivotably coupled tothe post and the sleeve, said third surface being disposed substantiallyequidistant from the other said surfaces when the device occupies itsclosed position;

(g) and means for locking the device in its closed position.

3. A load handling device comprising:

(a) a post;

(b) a first arm having a load engaging surface, said arm being securedto one end of the post;

(c) a sleeve slidably disposed on the other end of the post;

(d) means for adjustably fixing the disposition of the sleeve on thepost;

(e) a second arm having a load engaging surface, said second arm beingpivotably secured to the sleeve;

(f) means for controlling movement of the load engaging surface of thesecond arm toward and away from the opposed first arm respectivelybetween a closed and an open position; and

(g) means including a third load engaging surface pivotably coupled tothe post and the sleeve, said third surface being disposed substantiallyequidistant from the other said surfaces when the device occupies itsclosed position.

4. A load handling device comprising:

(a) a post;

(b) a first arm having a load engaging surface, said arm being securedto one end of the post;

(c) a sleeve slidably disposed on the other end of the post;

(d) means for adjustabiy fixing the disposition of the sleeve on thepost;

(e) a second arm having a load engaging surface, said second arm beingpivotally secured to the sleeve; (f) means for controlling movement ofthe load engaging surface of the second arm toward and away from theopposed first arm respectively between a closed and an open position;and

(g) means including a third load engaging surface pivotably coupled tothe post and the sleeve, said third surface being disposed substantiallyequidistant from the other said surfaces when the device occupies itsclosed position;

(h) and means for locking the device in its closed position.

5. A load handling device comprising:

(a) 'a post;

(b) a first arm having a load engaging surface, said arm being securedto one end .of the post;

(c) a sleeve slidably disposed on the other end of the post;

(d) a second arm pivotably secured at one end to the sleeve;

(e) a load engaging surface adjustably disposed at the 5 t5 other end ofthe second arm so as to be movable the other said surfaces when thedevice occupies its toward and away from the load engaging surface onclosed position.

the first arm;

(f) means for controlling movement of the load engag- References Citedby the Examiner ing surface of the second arm toward and away 5 UNITEDSTATES PATENTS from the opposed first arm respectively between a v2,946,461 7/60 Slezak 29481 X closed and an open position; and 3,097,0117/63 Foster 294-104 (g) means including a third load engaging surfacepilotably coupled to the post and the sleeve, said third GERALD FORLENZA"nary Emmmer surface being disposed substantially equidistant fromSAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Examiner.

1. A LOAD HANDLING DEVICE COMPRISING: (A) A POST; (B) A FIRST ARM HAVINGA LOAD ENGAGING SURFACE, SAID L ARM BEING SECURED TO ONE END OF THEPOST; (C) A SLEEVE SLIDABLY DISPOSED ON THE OTHER END OF THE POST; (D) ASECOND ARM HAVING A LOAD ENGAGING SURFACE, SAID SECOND ARM BEINGPIVOTABLY SECURED TO THE SLEEVE; (E) MEANS FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OFTHE LOAD ENGAGING SURFACE OF THE SECOND ARM TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THEOPPOSED FIRST ARM RESPECTIVELY BETWEEN A CLOSED AND AN OPEN POSITION;AND (F) MEANS INCLUDING A THIRD LOAD ENGAGING SURFACE PIVOTABLY COUPLEDTO THE POST AND THE SLEEVE, SAID THIRD SURFACE BEING DISPOSEDSUBSTANTIALLY EQUIDISTANT FROM THE OTHER SAID SURFACES WHEN THE DEVICEOCCUPIES ITS CLOSED POSITION.